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For a long time, I struggled to explain what Ghost Handwriter actually does. If I said "handwritten cards," people pictured a printed thank-you note made to look like handwriting.
If I said "gifting campaigns," they pictured a catalog of branded water bottles.
Neither one was accurate, and both didn't clearly communicate our capabilities.
So we finally gave it a name: Handwritten Direct Mail Experiences. It's a mouthful, I know. But once you see everything that goes into one, I think you'll agree it's the most accurate description.
What Do We Mean by a Handwritten Direct Mail Experience?
Here's our definition: a Handwritten Direct Mail Experience is a piece of mail planned around one specific campaign or goal, using handwritten cards or letters, and usually paired with something tangible. It's designed to get opened on the spot and remembered months later.
Each part of that name matters to us:
Handwritten means it looks that way. Our machines write every card with an actual pen, so it looks and feels like a handwritten piece.
Direct mail means it shows up in a mailbox, not a crowded inbox. Physical mail has a much better shot at getting noticed because of the mass dilution of email.
Experience means it's more than a card. It's the envelope, the timing, the message, and strategic item, all working together so the person receiving it will feel and/or respond in a certain way.
What Goes Into a Handwritten Direct Mail Experience?
When you work with us, here's everything we handle from start to finish.
The plan
We start with who's getting it, why, and what we hope it'll accomplish. We strategize and map out a campaign sequence (or one-off send) keeping a clear North star in mind.
The list
The data quality of the recipients is just as important because sending lumpy handwritten mail can add up quickly. We do data cleanup to remove duplicates, keep information consistent, and use as many human-like touches to ensure believability.
The card
The card usually makes the first impression so we treat it accordingly. We help with design, card stock, envelope strategy, and inserts.
The message
We help write the message from tribal knowledge of campaigns that have performed well and what sounds like a human wrote it (and not a sales brochure). Font suggestions are given to help resonate with your audience.
The item
This is the "bow on top" for the whole campaign so picking thoughtful items that are useful and tie to your message are importantly.
The delivery
We hand assemble, pack, and ship everything for you. You don't have to stuff a single envelope or make a single trip to the post office. Seriously.
How Is This Different From Regular Direct Mail?
Regular direct mail has a reputation, and it's earned. Glossy postcards, printed "handwriting" fonts, and the same flyer size that everyone else sends for their direct mail. Most of it goes from the mailbox to the recycling bin.
Gifting platforms are a step up, but they still hand you a catalog and a text box and leave the thinking to you. You end up with a nice item and a typed note that feels equally manufactured.
A Handwritten Direct Mail Experience is built the other way around.
We start with the person receiving it and work backward to the card, the message, and the item. We're confident that your recipients will want (and remember) what we send.
Who Are Handwritten Direct Mail Experiences For?
They work best for businesses where one relationship is worth thousands of dollars. Most of our clients operate with a CAC of $1,000-$2,000 per client.
Some of the ways our clients use them:
Thanking existing clients throughout the year so they stick around and send referrals
Opening doors with impossible-to-reach prospects
Following up after a conference or event or leading up to one
Welcoming new clients in an unforgettable way
Want to Build One?
If there's someone you want to stop at their mailbox, whether that's a longtime client or a prospect who hasn't called you back, we can help.
We'll handle the plan, the cards, the words, the items, and the shipping. All you have to do is take credit for being so thoughtful.
want us to handle it?
Tell us the outcome. We’ll handle the rest.
Handwritten cards and lumpy mail, planned, written, packed, and shipped for you.
